Here are the top plays by position so far
As we come out on the other side of the All-Star break, it's a good time to take a look back at some of the astonishing, high-flying and awe-inspiring defensive plays from the early part of the season. Throughout the season, MiLB.com gets the fans involved in voting for the
As we come out on the other side of the All-Star break, it's a good time to take a look back at some of the astonishing, high-flying and awe-inspiring defensive plays from the early part of the season.
Throughout the season, MiLB.com gets the fans involved in voting for the Premier Plays of the Week and Premier Plays of the Month, presented by Capital One. From home-run robberies, leaping catches and the plays that get the fans out of their seats, here are the best from each position on the diamond.
Catcher: Jhonny Pereda, Triple-A Louisville, April 6
There's a reason it's widely agreed that the catcher plays the hardest position on the diamond. Credit where it's due to center fielder Michael Siani for making the strong throw to the plate, but the pick and the tag -- swiping through in one motion -- by Jhonny Pereda make this play stand out. This play was voted by fans as the Premier Play of the Week for April 6-12.
Honorable mentions: Single-A Visalia's Christian Cerda tags out two runners at the plate ... Shane McGuire's sliding catch on a popped up bunt attempt for Double-A Midland.
First baseman: C.J. Stubbs, Double-A Corpus Christi, May 21
A catcher by trade, C.J. Stubbs hadn't played a lot of first base prior to this play. But the fearlessness that comes with being a backstop clearly followed him to the other hot corner. Hooks' second baseman Joey Loperfido helped Stubbs land back on his feet, but this play is reminiscent of the 2022 Premier Play of the Year by Midland's Brett Harris. The snag won Stubbs the Premier Play of the Week for May 18-24 and Premier Play of the Month for May.
Honorable mentions: High-A Wisconsin's Ernesto Martinez makes a sliding, over-the-shoulder catch on a pop-up ... Thomas Francisco avoids the tarp to make the play for High-A Peoria.
Second baseman: Darren Baker, Triple-A Rochester, May 11
Darren Baker will always be known as the young bat boy that was rescued at the plate by J.T. Snow during the 2002 World Series. But the 24-year-old has made a name for himself as a terrific defender in three seasons since being drafted. This slow grounder was deflected by veteran first baseman Matt Adams and Baker made a behind-the-back snag that not many have ever seen on a baseball diamond.
Honorable mentions: Luis Guillorme charges a grounder and flips behind his back for Triple-A Syracuse ... Double-A Montgomery's Gionti Turner and Single-A Carolina's Jadher Areinamo both make behind-the-back flips to second just days apart ... Esteban Quiroz flies through the air to snag a liner for Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Third baseman: José Devers, Double-A Pensacola, May 26
José Devers follows in the footsteps of fellow Blue Wahoos' third baseman Cobie Fletcher-Vance, who claimed this same honor last year. Every day in the Minors, some quick-footed defender of the hot corner makes a diving stop on a hard grounder up the line. But Devers shows off the speed by getting to the bag, and his arm strength to get the throw across the diamond and complete the double play.
Honorable mentions: Triple-A Rochester's Jack Dunn (March 31-April 5) and High-A Quad Cities' Cayden Wallace (June 15-21) earn Premier Play of the Week after making a diving stop and throwing from their knees ... Fletcher-Vance -- yes, that Fletcher-Vance -- makes a diving grab on a rope in the hole for Pensacola.
Shortstop: Weston Wilson, Triple-A Lehigh Valley, May 28
The shortstop and center field positions often provide the most entertaining highlights. This play on a hot shot in the hole is much more difficult that Weston Wilson makes it seem. The ball is scorched off the bat and gets past the IronPigs' shortstop before it reaches his glove. Wilson also follows the ball as it takes a wicked hop in the middle of his dive.
Honorable mentions: Elly De La Cruz unleashes a 99.1 mph throw to first ... Mason McCoy ranges deep into the outfield to make an over-the-shoulder catch on a pop-up ... Luisangel Acuña makes a diving stop to start a double play.
Left field: Hayden Cantrelle, Double-A Richmond, July 9
This grab is a current Premier Plays of the Week nominee, and it's even more impressive with the full context. This was just Hayden Cantrelle's second game in the outfield and the sixth ball hit in his direction. The 24-year-old doesn't look out of sorts, however. He puts his head down and goes into a full sprint in the gap before making a full-extension diving catch.
Honorable mentions: High-A Jersey Shore's Jared Carr makes a leaping catch up against the wall ... Skye Bolt makes a long throw to the plate for Triple-A Nashville ... Double-A New Hampshire's Zach Britton makes a leaping catch and crashes into the fence.
Center field: Donta' Williams, Double-A Bowie, April 23
There were plenty of incredible plays to choose from for center field. But Donta' Williams takes the spot as he looks like he's actually levitating in the middle of this diving catch. The 24-year-old even got the chance to go on MLB Network and chat with Harold Reynolds about this spectacular grab. Reynolds likened the effort here to Jim Edmonds' catch for the Angels in 1997. And it's difficult to disagree.
Honorable mentions: DaShawn Keirsey Jr.'s home-run robbery for Double-A Wichita, which beat out Williams' in Premier Plays voting for April 20-26 ... Marcus Lee Sang's flailing catch on the track for Jersey Shore, which was the Premier Play of the Month winner for April ... Justin Dean scales the wall for Double-A Mississippi.
Right field: Sal Frelick, Triple-A Nashville, April 15
Fresh off his World Baseball Classic appearance with Team Italy, Sal Frelick headed to Nashville looking to book an early ticket to The Show. A thumb injury sidelined MLB Pipeline's No. 18 overall prospect for a stretch and put a temporary hold on those plans. But in the early part of the season, he quickly showed off his plus speed, athleticism and fielding ability.
Honor mentions: Double-A Tennessee's Pete Crow-Armstrong makes a sliding catch on a fly ball ... Alexander Ovalles makes a diving catch in foul ground for Montgomery ... Ben Gamel lays out to snare a liner for Triple-A Durham.
Pitcher: William Cuevas, Triple-A Oklahoma City, April 27
Following his WBC appearance with Team Colombia, William Cuevas signed with the Dodgers and returned to the Minors for the first time since 2018. His stint with Oklahoma City was short-lived, as he was released after 11 appearances on June 8. But in that short time, Cuevas pulled off one of the most athletic defensive plays a pitcher could make.
Honorable mentions: Rio Gomez stabs a comeback liner for Triple-A Worcester ... Single-A Fredericksburg's Mason Denaburg tracks down his own wild pitch to tag runner at home ... IronPigs' T.J. Zeuch deflects comebacker to himself, slides to flip for the out.
Gerard Gilberto is a reporter for MiLB.com.
Sullivan Pitches Yard Goats to Victory
Sullivan Pitches Yard Goats to Victory Erie, PA- Left-hander Sean Sullivan fired 5.2 scoreless innings and combined with three relievers on a two-hit shutout, as the Hartford Yard Goats defeated the Erie SeaWolves 3-0 in the final game of the road trip on Sunday afternoon at UPMC Park in Erie,
Jose Torres His Seventh Home Run in Goats Setback
Jose Torres His Seventh Home Run in Goats Setback Erie, PA- Yard Goats slugger Jose Torres blasted his seventh home run, a two-run shot to give the Yard Goats a first inning lead, however, the SeaWolves came back to defeat Hartford 5-3 on Saturday night at UPMC Park in Erie,
Cordova Hits Tying Homer in 9th but Wolves Get Win
Cordova Hits Tying Homer in 9th but Wolves Get Win Erie, PA- Yard Goats slugger Jose Cordova hit a game-tying home run with two outs in the 9th inning, but the Erie SeaWolves got a walk-off infield hit in the bottom of the inning to secure a 5-4 win on
Montgomery Drives in Two Runs in Goats Loss
Montgomery Drives in Two Runs in Goats Loss Erie, PA- Benny Montgomery drove in two runs but it was not enough as the Erie SeaWolves sent the Hartford Yard Goats their season-high fifth straight loss, 11-2 on Thursday night at UPMC Park in Erie, Pennsylvania. Montgomery cracked a two-out two-run
Yard Goats to Host G.O.A.T. Tacos, Tequila & Taps Festival at Dunkin’ Park
(Hartford, CT) The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, in partnership with 360 Marketing & Events, announced that it will host the first-ever GOAT Tacos, Tequila & Taps Festival at Dunkin’ Park. The festival will benefit Hartford’s Camp Courant and Hands on Hartford. The
Yard Goats Fall in Day Game on Road
Yard Goats Fall in Day Game on Road Erie, PA- The first place Erie SeaWolves won their fourth straight game and defeated the Hartford Yard Goats by the score of 18-3 on Wednesday afternoon at UPMC Park in Erie, Pennsylvania. The Yard Goats had a 3-0 lead in the third
Yard Goats Drop Opening Game of Road Trip in Erie, PA
Yard Goats Drop Opening Game of Road Trip in Erie, PA Erie, PA- The Hartford Yard Goats dropped the opening game of a six-game road trip by the score of 5-0 on Tuesday night at UPMC Park in Erie, PA. SeaWolves starter Carlos Pena and two relievers combined on a
The Sugar Hill Gang to Perform at Dunkin’ Park after Yard Goats Game
Hartford, Conn- The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, has announced that “The Sugar Hill Gang” will perform a post-game concert at Dunkin’ Park following the Friday, September 5th Yard Goats game. The Sugarhill Gang made history with their single “Rappers Delight,” which was
Nic Kent Cracks Two-Run Triple in Goats Loss
Nic Kent Cracks Two-Run Triple in Yard Goats Loss WP: Zach Thornton (4-0) LP: Gabriel Hughes (1-3) S: TJ Shook (2) Time: 2:29 Hartford, CT - Nic Kent had a two-run triple in the fifth inning but the Binghamton Rumble Ponies defeated the Hartford Yard Goats by the score of
Tong Tosses Six Scoreless as Ponies Roll
Tong Tosses Six Scoreless as Ponies Roll WP: Jonah Tong (2-2) LP: Connor Staine (1-4) Time: 2:58 Hartford, CT - Jonah Tong pitched six scoreless innings as the Binghamton Rumble Ponies shutout the Hartford Yard Goats 12-0 in front of a sellout crowd (6,906) on Saturday night at Dunkin’ Park.
Carrigg Slams Goats to First Place
Carrigg Slams Goats to First Place WP: Carson Skipper (3-1) LP: Paul Blackburn (0-1) S: Brayan Castillo (2) Time: 2:54 Hartford, CT - Cole Carrigg hit a go-ahead grand slam in the fifth inning leading the Hartford Yard Goats to a 7-5 victory against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies in front
Yard Goats Fall to Ponies
Yard Goats Fall to Ponies WP: TJ Shook (2-0) LP: Alec Barger (1-1) Time: 2:37 Hartford, CT - The Rumble Ponies scored twice in the ninth inning, including an inside-the-park home run from D’Andre Smith to defeat the Hartford Yard Goats 5-3 on Thursday night at Dunkin’ Park. The Yard
Yard Goats Pitching Solid in Doubleheader Split
Yard Goats Pitching Solid in Doubleheader Split Game One: Yard Goats 1, Rumble Ponies 0 WP: Sean Sullivan (1-0) LP: Jack Wenninger (4-2) S: Bryce McGowan (1) Time: 1:25 Game Two: Rumble Ponies 3, Yard Goats 2 WP: Luis Moreno (3-1) LP: Mason Green (2-1) S: Douglas Orellana (3) Time:
Yard Goats Win Pitchers Duel in Extras
Yard Goats Win Pitchers Duel in Extras WP: Collin Baumgartner (2-1) LP: Anthony Nunez (0-1) Time: 2:29 Hartford, CT - Dyan Jorge put down a sacrifice bunt that allowed the game-winning run to score as the Hartford Yard Goats defeated the Binghamton Rumble Ponies 1-0 in 11 innings on Tuesday
Carrigg Cranks Two Homers in Yard Goats Loss
Carrigg Cranks Two Homers in Yard Goats Loss Fisher Cats 7, Yard Goats 2 WP: Devereaux Harrison (2-4) LP: Connor Staine (1-3) T: 2:19 Manchester, NH- Cole Carrigg blasted two homers but it was not enough as the Hartford Yard Goats fell to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats 7-2 on
Yard Goats Blast Three Homers in Doubleheader Split
Yard Goats Blast Three Homers in Doubleheader Split Game One: Yard Goats 7, Fisher Cats 1 WP: Mason Albright (3-2) LP: Ryan Watson (2-2) T: 2:11 Game Two: Fisher Cats 5, Yard Goats 1 WP: Hunter Gregory (1-0) LP: Jack Mahoney (0-2) T: 1:53 Manchester, NH- After getting rained out
Yard Goats Split Doubleheader in New Hampshire
Yard Goats Split Doubleheader in New Hampshire Game One: Fisher Cats 2, Yard Goats 1 WP: CJ Van Eyk (2-3) LP: Gabriel Hughes (1-2) T: 1:28 Game Two: Yard Goats 4, Fisher Cats 2 WP: Bryce McGowan (1-0) LP: Rafael Sanchez (1-1) T: 2:33 Manchester, NH- The Hartford Yard Goats
Baysox Bullpen Tough on Yard Goats
Baysox Bullpen Tough on Yard Goats WP: Braxton Bragg (1-1) LP: Connor Staine (1-2) Time: 2:24 Hartford, CT - The Chesapeake bullpen retired all twelve batters they faced as the Chesapeake Baysox defeated the Hartford Yard Goats 5-1 in front of a sellout crowd (6,308) on Sunday afternoon at Dunkin’
Yard Goats Ninth Inning Rally Falls Short
Yard Goats Ninth Inning Rally Falls Short WP: Peter Van Loon (2-2) LP: Blake Adams (1-2) S: Gerald Ogando (1) Time: 2:57 Hartford, CT - Cole Carrigg had three hits and scored two runs but the Hartford Yard Goats fell to the Chesapeake Baysox 6-5 in front of a sellout
Cordova’s Walk-Off Home Run Leads Yard Goats to First Place
Cordova’s Walk-Off Home Run Leads Yard Goats to First Place WP: Collin Baumgartner (1-1) LP: Preston Johnson (1-2) Time: 3:14 Hartford, CT - Jose Cordova crushed a two-run walk-off home run in the bottom of the tenth, as the Hartford Yard Goats defeated the Chesapeake Baysox 8-7 in 10 innings
Yard Goats Walk-Off Secures Seventh Straight Home Win
Yard Goats Walk-Off Secures Seventh Straight Home Win WP: Matt Turner (1-0) LP: Peter Van Loon (1-2) Time: 2:44 Hartford, CT - GJ Hill hit a sacrifice fly to right field, scoring Kyle Karros from third base, as the Hartford Yard Goats defeated the Chesapeake Baysox 3-2 in 10 innings
Carrigg Slams Yard Goats to Sixth Straight Home Win
Carrigg Slams Yard Goats to Sixth Straight Home Win WP: Gabriel Hughes (1-1) LP: Trace Bright (1-4) S: Collin Baumgartner (2) Time: 2:43 Hartford, CT - Cole Carrigg smashed his second grand slam of the season as the Hartford Yard Goats defeated the Chesapeake Baysox 6-3 to win their sixth-straight
Yard Goats Defeat Baysox to Win Fifth Straight at Home
Yard Goats Defeat Baysox to Win Fifth Straight at Home WP: Carson Skipper (2-1) LP: Braxton Bragg (0-1) S: Brayan Castillo (1) Time: 2:50 Hartford, CT - Benny Montgomery and Jose Torres each crushed solo home runs as the Hartford Yard Goats defeated the Chesapeake Baysox to win their fifth-straight
Yard Goats Crank Three Homers in Victory
Yard Goats Crank Three Homers in Victory Yard Goats 13, Patriots 5 WP: Alec Barger (1-0) LP: Mason Vinyard (--1) T: 2:53 Bridgewater, NJ- Benny Montgomery cranked a go-ahead home run in the seventh inning to lead the Yard Goats to a come from behind win against the Somerset Patriots
Yard Goats Lose 4-3 in New Jersey
Yard Goats Lose 4-3 in New Jersey Patriots 4, Yard Goats 3 WP: Will Brian (1-0) LP: Carson Skipper (1-1) S: Harrison Cohen (1) Bridgewater, NJ- The Somerset Patriots scored three runs in the sixth inning and came from behind to beat the Yard Goats 4-3 on Saturday night at